Important Battles in Bihar for UPSC & History Buffs

Battle of Buxar (1764)

Location: Near Buxar, Bihar

Combatants: British East India Company vs. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Nawab of Awadh (Shuja-ud-Daula), and Nawab of Bengal (Mir Qasim)

Significance:

• British victory solidified their control over Bengal, Bihar, and parts of eastern India.
• Led to the Treaty of Allahabad (1765) where Mughal Emperor gave Diwani rights (revenue collection) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the British.
• Crucial in establishing British political dominance in India after the Battle of Plassey (1757).

Battle of Chausa (1539)

Location: Near Chausa, Buxar district, Bihar

Combatants: Sher Shah Suri vs. Mughal Emperor Humayun

Significance:

• Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun and established the Suri Dynasty.
• Important setback for the Mughal Empire.
• Sher Shah later became one of India’s most admired rulers, known for his administrative and infrastructural reforms.

Battle of Patna (1763)

Location: Patna, Bihar

Combatants: British East India Company vs. Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal)

Significance:

• Part of the larger conflict leading up to the Battle of Buxar.
• British defeated Mir Qasim’s forces and tightened their grip over Bengal and Bihar.